An analytical model for improving precision in single point incremental forming

In the modern manufacturing scenario and, in particular, in sheet metal forming, the requirement of customised production is still growing. The introduction of incremental forming enables the production of customised components in small lots. In particular, single point incremental forming is characterised by the simplest equipment; any die, in fact, is avoided reducing the necessary tooling to a simple frame, able to clamp the sheet, and a hemispherical punch that imposes the required deformation. This tooling simplicity and the associated process mechanics, in turn, determine a sometimes relevant lack of accuracy. The paper is focused on the investigation of the influence of the process parameters on accuracy through a reliable statistical analysis. The obtained models permit to implement some effective actions to improve the accuracy taking into account a simple case study. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.